Glen Ridge Adopts $17.9 Million Budget, Raising Average Tax Bill by $148

Glen Ridge's Mayor and Council adopted the 2024 municipal budget of $17.9 million at their May 13, 2024 meeting, a plan that raises the municipal tax rate by about 3%, to roughly 75 cents, meaning the average household, assessed at $673,000, will pay $148 more in municipal taxes. The budget draws $12.9 million from municipal taxes, $2.3 million from municipal receipts, and about $1.9 million from surplus, while covering $8.5 million in salaries and benefits, $7.4 million in other operating costs, and just under $2 million in capital and statutory expenses.

Traffic safety was a major theme. Residents' complaints about speeding on Sunset Avenue, backed by a traffic survey, have the Public Safety Committee weighing four-way stop signs at Forest and Sunset and/or Stonehouse and Sunset; neighboring Bloomfield has already agreed to a stop at Stonehouse, pending more data from the town's traffic officer and an engineering firm. Separately, an engineering study is underway at Glen Ridge Avenue and Highland after a review found a notably high number of crashes there over three years and speeds averaging 34 mph in a 25 mph zone; officials are considering adding a marked parking lane to reduce dangerous turning conflicts. The committee also reported that newly installed traffic delineators, or pylons, have drawn positive feedback from residents and appear to be slowing traffic and improving crosswalk safety, with Montclair reportedly asking about buying similar ones.

The council introduced several ordinances on first reading, all passing unanimously: one re-appropriating $824,000 for capital purposes, one codifying existing parking restriction signage as a cleanup measure, and one setting 2024 salary titles and maximums for non-union employees, intended mainly to raise crossing guard pay to help recruitment. Councilors also unanimously approved a budget amendment reclassifying certain water utility items with no net financial change, a resolution authorizing third-quarter estimated tax bills, and a claims resolution covering more than $373,000 in payments. The swimming pool utility's debt has been paid off, freeing $170,000 in its budget, with $100,000 earmarked for new furniture and fixtures; pool staff minimum wage rises to $13.73 per hour. A raffle license was approved for the Woman's Club's June 5, 2024 50/50 and casino night event. April meeting minutes were adopted, with Councilor Leitz abstaining and three members voting aye.

Mayor Mans proclaimed May 10–16, 2024 as National Police Week in Glen Ridge, honoring fallen officers including a Glen Ridge Police Department member, and the Public Safety Committee noted that the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association placed a memorial wreath for Officer Roberts on May 11th, the anniversary of his death. The municipal clerk announced logistics for the June 4th primary election, confirming all polling locations will be open along with vote-by-mail, early voting, and drop boxes at municipal buildings usable across Essex County.

What to watch

• Further engineering data and a possible decision on new stop signs at Forest and Sunset and/or Stonehouse and Sunset.
• Results of the Glen Ridge Avenue/Highland traffic study and whether a marked parking lane is added.
• Polling and voting logistics ahead of the June 4th primary election.

Watch key moments

• 32:08 — Sunset Avenue speeding prompts possible new stop signs